Has anyone used Hack Space?

[seniorphil]

Hi,
I am about to set out on my first attempt(s) at a diy mod, as I don't have many tools I have been holding off starting until I collect what I need.
Today I came across Hack Space London. I think they have places in Leeds, Bristol, and maybe more. They are a nonprofit making organisation that started off in the states. I think you pay a monthly membership then you can use their workshops as much as you like. They have electronic, wood and metal workshops. Plus 3D printer and a laser cutter.

I was wondering if anyone had used their facilities, and if so what their expierience was like.

Cheers,

Phil.

[Balllsy]

It sounds like a fantastic idea. Wish there was one near me.

[Deleted]

hackspace.org.uk/view/Main_Page

They have them all over England, even one in Shropshire

Gonna investigate this more!

[seniorphil]

Yeah, just checked out Hack Space UK, they are everwhere. I am going to an open evening tomorrow at the London one. I will post back here what its like. Looks like a dream come true.
Cheers.

[Deleted]

Wow that looks like a fantastic place. Def report back

[seniorphil]

Visited Hack Space London yesterday, will be joining this week. You pay what you think is fair, £5 min, £20 recommended per month. Your Oyster Card is then registered on their computer and gives you 24 hour access 365 days a year.
There is no supervision, so everything is on a trust basis. With a very simple set of rules. They ask that if you've never used equipment before to read up on it or ask another member. Lathes, laser cutter etc require training, so you put your name down for free. Your Oyster Card will then give you access once trained.
Apart from that you can use everything in the fully equipped metal and wood workshops, electronics lab, library, sewing room and laptops to use on site. There is even a couple of mad scientists with a bio lab doing scary genetics stuff. I also spotted a darkroom.
The tools range is very impressive, including pillar drills, milling machines, lathes, band saw, chop saw, router bench, hand power tools (sanders, drills, dremels, router), and a full selection of hand tools. The only rules seem to be a) Don't kill yourself, b) tidy up after yourself.
There seems to be a lot of skill sharing going on. If a member is struggling with something, then others lend a hand. I am meeting up with a guy on Thursday to give me a basic soldering tutorial. He makes his own pcb's from scratch.
A great place for anyone wanting to make a mod, mod stands, or anything else. A guy was making the frame for a sofa while I was there.

Phil.

[seniorphil]

I joined Hack Space on Wednesday, my membership was confirmed this morning. I went down to get my Oyster Card put on their entry system so I can use the use the place 24/7.
Even more impressed! Worked on a couple of mods, helped a guy work on a bed for his barge, was given a great soldering lesson, and had a fiddle with the laser cutter/etcher. It was hard to take it all in on my initial tour so I didn't notice the fully stocked nuts, bolts, screws, washers etc. all included with your membership. Also stacks of wood off cuts to help yourself to.
Great helpful friendly group with a range of skills (electricians, artists, carpenters, engineers, scientists, computer geeks)
In their lounge/commonroom they have an hacked arcade machine that they have named "The Beast". It has 400 games on it.
I look forward to many more interesting afternoons down there.

[Pezz]

Sounds like a great place to spend some time.

[chainmaker]

I also visited the London hackspace with a view to joining as i used to regularly commute through london and go right past it. Now living further out and not being in the job i was means it was no longer viable.

It looks like a great place to learn new skills and access equipment & knowledge not usually available to most mere mortals.

Highly recommended place! (even if i am slightly jealous i can no longer get there easily)

[Blownupdolly]

Dec 3, 2013 23:59:54 GMT chainmaker said:

I also visited the London hackspace with a view to joining as i used to regularly commute through london and go right past it. Now living further out and not being in the job i was means it was no longer viable.

It looks like a great place to learn new skills and access equipment & knowledge not usually available to most mere mortals.

Highly recommended place! (even if i am slightly jealous i can no longer get there easily)

I have been looking at their website chainmaker they have a place in Chelmsford and Colchester.

I fear I have unleashed a beast. seniorphil My husband is very interested in going too, after reading your recommendation. God knows what he will be doing, but he's one of these blokes who likes to fiddle about with stuff.

[seniorphil]

Dec 10, 2013 10:11:54 GMT Blownupdolly said:

Dec 3, 2013 23:59:54 GMT chainmaker said:

I also visited the London hackspace with a view to joining as i used to regularly commute through london and go right past it. Now living further out and not being in the job i was means it was no longer viable.

It looks like a great place to learn new skills and access equipment & knowledge not usually available to most mere mortals.

Highly recommended place! (even if i am slightly jealous i can no longer get there easily)

I have been looking at their website chainmaker they have a place in Chelmsford and Colchester.

I fear I have unleashed a beast. seniorphil My husband is very interested in going too, after reading your recommendation. God knows what he will be doing, but he's one of these blokes who likes to fiddle about with stuff.

Hi,
It's strangely inspirational at Hackspace. I am the only one in London making ecigs, but everybody else is working on such am ecclectic mix of projects. Everybody inspires each other. I am now working on stuff with no connection to mods.
It might be the homebrew beer that lubricates our minds.

[chainmaker]

Blownupdolly I shall have another look and see about the locations near me

Ok... curiosity got the better of me so have been for a squizz online. Good to see some spread from the capital even if these maker spaces are in their infancy.

I notice the London Hack Space has also moved location earlier this year so with any luck it will be even better! It was very very well equipped and resourced when i last visited.

[remnant]

Dec 10, 2013 12:07:10 GMT seniorphil said:

Dec 10, 2013 10:11:54 GMT Blownupdolly said:

I have been looking at their website chainmaker they have a place in Chelmsford and Colchester.

I fear I have unleashed a beast. seniorphil My husband is very interested in going too, after reading your recommendation. God knows what he will be doing, but he's one of these blokes who likes to fiddle about with stuff.

Hi,
It's strangely inspirational at Hackspace. I am the only one in London making ecigs, but everybody else is working on such am ecclectic mix of projects. Everybody inspires each other. I am now working on stuff with no connection to mods.
It might be the homebrew beer that lubricates our minds.

I'll be getting up there in the new year, so you won't be the only one for long, Phil.

[seniorphil]

Dec 10, 2013 12:08:22 GMT chainmaker said:

Blownupdolly I shall have another look and see about the locations near me

Ok... curiosity got the better of me so have been for a squizz online. Good to see some spread from the capital even if these maker spaces are in their infancy.

I notice the London Hack Space has also moved location earlier this year so with any luck it will be even better! It was very very well equipped and resourced when i last visited.

The new Hackney Road site has four times the floor space of the previous site. This has allowed them to seperate the wood/metal working into the basement. With the electronics, laser cutter, 3D printer, computers, craft and classroom on the ground floor.

It will be good to have Dr Remnant in the house, what more inspiration could any man want!

[chainmaker]

Bloody shush the lot of you.... making me all jealous!